United We Stand

I applaud Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, for being united in speaking out against the unquestionable evil displayed in Charlottesville, Va., this past Saturday. Two polar opposites of the U.S. Senate, Ted Cruz of Texas and our own Chris Murphy, most strongly demonstrated that united front.

Sen. Cruz said, "The Nazis, the KKK and white supremacists are repulsive and evil, and all of us have a moral obligation to speak out," while Sen. Murphy wrote, "What has happened in Charlottesville ... should be a call to action for every American who has grown complacent under the assumption that our nation's moral arc naturally bends toward inclusion and tolerance."

Two calls to action. One powerful message. Both Senators are to be commended.

As late Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel said, "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." It is heartening, in these tumultuous times, to see political leaders from across the spectrum condemn those who would tear us apart with hate and violence. It shows that we, as Americans, really do have more that unites us than divides us, and it gives us hope that our leaders can work together to ensure that good ultimately triumphs over evil.